How Long Is the London Marathon? Understanding the Distance and Duration

The London Marathon is one of the most iconic marathons in the world,
attracting thousands of runners every year. But exactly how long is the
London Marathon? For those unfamiliar with marathon distances, this event
covers a standard distance of 26.2 miles, which is equivalent to 42.195
kilometres.

1. How Many Miles Is the London Marathon?

The official London Marathon distance is 26.2 miles. This length has been
standardised for all marathons worldwide since 1921, based on the distance
set during the 1908 London Olympics held in London. So if you’re wondering
how far is the London Marathon, it’s just over 26 miles long.

While the course is precisely measured to meet this standard, many runners
find that their personal GPS devices might record a slightly longer distance
due to weaving around other participants and navigating turns along the
route.

2. How Many Kilometers Is the London Marathon?

For those more familiar with kilometres, the London Marathon distance in
kilometres is 42.195 km. When asking how many kilometres the London Marathon
is, it’s important to note that this distance is the same for all major
marathons, including London.

3. How Long Does It Take to Run the London Marathon?

The time it takes to run the London Marathon varies significantly depending
on the fitness level and pace of each runner. While elite runners can finish
the race in just over two hours, the majority of participants take between
four and six hours to complete the course.

Here’s a breakdown of approximate times based on different paces:

• Elite runners: Around 2 hours

• Experienced amateurs: Between 3-4 hours

• Mass participation runners: Between 4-6 hours

• Walkers: Up to 8 hours

4. How Long Is the London Marathon in Miles and Kilometers?

For a quick summary:

• Miles: The London Marathon is 26.2 miles.

• Kilometres: The London Marathon is 42.195 kilometres.

Whether you prefer to measure distances in miles or kilometres, this
standardised marathon distance remains the same.

5. Why Is the London Marathon 26.2 Miles Long?

The marathon distance wasn’t always fixed at 26.2 miles. In fact, the
marathon originally covered 25 miles. However, during the 1908 London
Olympics, the distance was extended so the race could start at Windsor
Castle and finish in front of the royal box at White City Stadium. This
extension created the now standard 26.2 miles (or 42.195 kilometres), which
has been used for all official marathons since 1921.

6. Navigating the Extra Distance

While the official distance of the London Marathon is set at 26.2 miles,
many runners end up covering a slightly longer distance on race day. This is
mainly due to the need to navigate around other runners, avoid obstacles,
and take wider turns on the course.

For example, some participants may find that their GPS devices record
anywhere from 26.3 to 26.5 miles by the end of the marathon. This extra
distance can add a few minutes to a runner’s final time, so it’s essential
to prepare for this in advance.

7. Conclusion: How Long Is the London Marathon?

To sum it up, the London Marathon covers a standardised distance of 26.2
miles (or 42.195 kilometres). Whether you’re running for charity, aiming for
a personal best, or supporting from the sidelines, knowing how far is the
London Marathon can help you plan and prepare for race day.

If you’re interested in participating or supporting, you can find more
details about the London Marathon on the official

London Marathon

page. Whether you’re tracking distance in miles or kilometres, the London
Marathon is a challenge that requires both physical and mental endurance.

For more information about the course and to join the race, visit the

London Marathon

events page on JustGiving.